The Dodgers have successfully avoided a salary arbitration hearing for the sixth consecutive year.
With the arbitration deadline approaching, the team finalized agreements with their last four arbitration-eligible players for the upcoming season.
Reliever Brusdar Graterol has settled on a $2.8 million deal. He missed all of 2025 after undergoing shoulder surgery last offseason, but is anticipated to be ready for spring training next month and should play a larger role in the bullpen. This upcoming season marks his final year under the team’s control before he hits free agency next winter.
On Thursday, two more key relief pitchers signed contracts: lefty Anthony Banda agreed to $1.625 million, and righty Brock Stewart settled for $1.3 million.
Stewart, who was acquired at the trade deadline last season, did not participate in the regular season’s final stretch or the playoffs due to shoulder surgery in September. His recovery might impact the start of spring training for him.
Banda, now in his third season with the Dodgers, has established himself as a dependable left-handed option, boasting a 3.14 ERA over his 119 appearances in the past two years.
Outfielder Alex Cole also finalized a deal on Thursday, agreeing to a $1.6 million salary. He was another trade acquisition last year and is eligible for arbitration for the first time this offseason. He’s expected to contribute to the Dodgers’ outfield rotation next season, probably serving as a right-handed complementary hitter.
These agreements mean the Dodgers will not face arbitration hearings with any players this season, having last gone to such a hearing in 2020 with Joc Pederson and Pedro Báez.
As a result of Thursday’s moves, the Dodgers’ projected payroll for next season is expected to exceed $345 million. This figure, noted by Cotto’s Baseball Contracts, represents the highest projected payroll in the majors for 2026 and significantly surpasses the luxury tax threshold. While this is quite a hefty sum, it’s still approximately $70 million lower than their record-setting payroll from last season.
Despite making just one major signing this offseason—closer Edwin Diaz for $69 million during the winter meetings—the Dodgers are actively seeking significant upgrades, keeping connections with star free agents Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette while exploring outfield trades.
